Wolverhampton is an industrial city located in the northwest of the Black Country region of England, as well as in the county known as the West Midlands.
The city has a rich history and cultural heritage dating back over a thousand years, and there are several museums, landmarks and galleries here that visitors can explore, as well as exciting activities for kids and families alike.
For nature lovers, the city has spacious parks and green spaces, such as West Park and Himley Hall Park, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and recreational facilities. Wolverhampton is also home to several historic houses, such as Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Moseley Old Hall, and Boscobel House.
Sports fans can visit the Molineux Stadium, home of the iconic Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, or Wolverhampton Racecourse.
For those who like shopping and dining, the city has a variety of shops, markets, and malls, as well as a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Wolverhampton is also packed with a variety of cultural events and festivals, such as the Wolverhampton Food and Drink Festival, and the Wolverhampton Literary Festival. A perfect West Midlands day out, there are plenty of enjoyable things to do in Wolverhampton today for anyone and everyone.
Scroll on to read: 20 Best Things to do in Wolverhampton, England
Table of Contents
Wolverhampton tourist information
How to get there
The main airport serving Wolverhampton is Birmingham International (BHX), 26 miles away. Click here for airport transfers from Birmingham to Wolverhampton.
Getting around Wolverhampton
Cycling: There are new and updated networks of cycle routes in the centre of Wolverhampton and nearby places.
Bus: Buses are easy to use and run regularly from numerous stops. An adult trip costs £2 (cards are accepted).
Train: The main station is Wolverhampton Railway Station, right in the heart of the city, and has great transport links to the rest of the UK. You can get a train from London to Wolverhampton in just 1.5 hours!
Best time to visit Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton Attractions Map
Wolverhampton Essentials Checklist:
- An excellent pair of walking shoes (for all that walking)
- A hoodie or warm sweater (for chilly evenings especially in winter)
- A decent raincoat (it rains a lot here)
- A good quality compact camera (for taking great pics)
20 Best Things to Do in Wolverhampton, England
1. Visit the Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Looking for things to do in Wolverhampton city centre? The Civic Hall is a historic building located right in the heart of Wolverhampton city center and is a popular venue for a variety of events, including concerts, theater productions, and conferences.
Constructed in the 1930s, the building is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture. It has a grand entrance hall and a large auditorium that can seat up to 2,500 people. The Civic Hall is also home to a number of works of art, including statues, murals, and a stained-glass window.
Visitors can take a tour of the Civic Hall to learn more about the building’s history and architecture, as well as to see the art and other features of the building. A guide usually leads the tours that last about an hour. Tours are available on specific days and times, and it’s recommended to book in advance.
2. Explore Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is the perfect place to visit for art lovers. There’s a decent collection of artworks on display, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. Some of the more notable works on display include pieces by local artists, as well as national and international artists.
3. Take a tour of the Molineux Stadium
Molineux Stadium is the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, also known as Wolves FC. A tour of the stadium is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of one of the oldest and most famous football clubs in England.
The tour usually includes a visit to the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the dugout, and the VIP seats. You’ll also get the chance to walk on the pitch and see the view from the stands. You’ll learn about the history of the club and the stadium, and see some of the trophies and memorabilia from the club’s past glory.
4. Visit Bantock House Museum
Bantock House Museum is a Edwardian, graded house situated on the edge of West Park in Wolverhampton. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the city and the surrounding area, and it offers a range of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
Built in the early 1900s for a local businessman, the house has been preserved to give visitors an idea of what life was like for a wealthy family during that time. Visitors can explore the house and see the various rooms, which are furnished in the Edwardian style, and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived there.
If you’re looking for enjoyable things to do in Wolverhampton this weekend, consider Bantock House Museum, which also has a number of exhibits on the history of Wolverhampton, including information on the city’s industrial past and its role in the Industrial Revolution. There are also exhibits on the local area, including information on the geology, wildlife, and culture of the region.
5. Take a stroll through West Park
West Park is a large public park situated in Wolverhampton. A popular destination for visitors and local residents, the park offers a wide range of activities and amenities for people of all ages.
Features at the park include several gardens, such as a formal garden, a wildflower meadow, and a rock garden, which are great places to relax and enjoy nature. There’s also a lake which is home to a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife, and a playground, perfect for the kids to let off steam.
In addition to the above, West Park also features a range of sports facilities, including a golf course, a bowling green, a skatepark, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a small boating lake which can be rented.
Opening times: 7:30am-8pm daily
6. Visit Bilston Craft Gallery
Another one of the best things to do in Wolverhampton for free is to pop down to the Bilston Craft Gallery. Situated in the historic town of Bilston, just outside of Wolverhampton, the gallery showcases the work of local and national artists and craftspeople.
Bilston Craft Gallery features a range of arts and crafts, including ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, and metalwork. You will see a variety of styles and techniques on display, and the exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to see.
The gallery also offers a range of workshops and classes for adults and children, where you can learn a new craft or improve your skills. The workshops are taught by professional artists and craftspeople, and are a great way to learn more about the art and craft on display.
7. Walk along the Wolverhampton Canal
Taking a walk along the Wolverhampton Canal is one of the more relaxing things to do in Wolverhampton for free and an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The canal runs through the city, passing through parks and green spaces as well as residential and industrial areas.
Offering a peaceful and tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the canal is an ideal place to take a relaxing stroll or a bike ride.
Along the canal you’ll discover several locks and you can stop and watch the boats passing through. You can also see the historic industrial heritage, such as former mills and factories, and learn about the importance of the canal in the industrial revolution.
8. Enjoy the city's International Cuisine
Wolverhampton is well known for its range of various eateries, restaurants, and food shops catering to different cuisines from around the world. You’ll find Turkish and Lebanese kebab houses as well as popular Punjabi, Chinese and Thai restaurants. There are English and Irish pubs, Jamaican takeaways, and food shops catering to the local Polish and Filipino communities, and many more nationalities right here in the city.
Is there a good selection of food and drink in Wolverhampton?
Absolutely! You’ll find various cuisines in the city of superb quality. One of my favorite restaurants in Wolverhampton is Dosa Hut which specializes in South Indian cuisine. You can read my review on Dosa Hut here.
9. Lose Yourself in the 007 Escape Rooms
Right in the heart of the city center, you can try out the 007 Escape Rooms experience – a type of live-action, interactive game where players are locked in a themed room and have to solve a series of thrilling puzzles and clues to escape.
Based on the popular James Bond movie franchise, the objective of the game is to uncover a code before the time runs out. 007 Escape Rooms is one of the more interesting indoor activities in Wolverhampton and a unique day trip idea that is perfect for young people and couples.
Opening times: 10am-10pm daily
10. Visit the Royal Airforce Museum
The Royal Air Force Museum is dedicated to the history of the world’s first air force, the Royal Air Force (RAF), and the history of aviation in general. Located in the city of Cosford in Shropshire, not far from Wolverhampton, the museum is open to the public and offers a range of exhibits, activities, and events, making it one of the more fascinating places to see in Wolverhampton for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Inside the museum is a huge collection of aircraft, engines, and other artifacts that tell the story of the RAF and its role in shaping the history of aviation. Some of the highlights of the museum include the RAF’s oldest surviving aircraft, the Bristol F.2B fighter, and the Avro Vulcan, a cold-war era bomber. Visitors can also see a replica of the first ever British jet-powered aircraft, the Gloster E.28/39.
Opening times: 10am-4pm daily
11. Wander around Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Wightwick Manor and Gardens is a historic house and garden situated in the village of Wightwick, near Wolverhampton. The manor is a late 19th-century stately home that was built in the Arts and Crafts style and is known for its well-preserved interiors and beautiful gardens.
The house is a Grade I listed building and is considered to be one of the best examples of Arts and Crafts architecture in the country. Built in 1887 by Theodore Mander, a member of the Mander family, who were prominent industrialists and politicians in the Wolverhampton area, the house was designed by the architect Edward Ould and is filled with original furniture, ceramics, textiles, and other decorative arts that were made by some of the leading designers and manufacturers of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The gardens are an added attraction, with a variety of different styles, including a Victorian parterre, an Arts and Crafts water garden, and an Old English herb garden. The garden also has a small orchard, a rockery, and a small pond.
12. Visit Moseley Old Hall
Moseley Old Hall is a historic stately home located in the beautiful countryside village of Fordhouses, near Wolverhampton. Dating all the way back to the 17th century, the house is known for its association with the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and is a Grade II* listed building.
The house was famously used as a hiding place by King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, and it’s said that the king hid in a priest hole that’s still visible in the house today.
Restoration of the home took place in the early 20th century by the Mander family, who were prominent industrialists and politicians in the Wolverhampton area, and it’s now managed by the National Trust.
The house is open to the public and it is furnished with period furniture, textiles, and other decorative arts. Visitors can explore inside and learn about its history, including the story of King Charles II’s escape.
13. Pick a Rose at Dave Austin Roses
David Austin Roses specializes in breeding and selling specialist roses which are known for their fragrant flowers and strong growth.
Founded by David Austin in 1969, the company is based in Albrighton, near Wolverhampton. Dave Austin Roses is famous for breeding roses that combine the beauty and fragrance of old-fashioned roses with the repeat-flowering habit and large flowers of modern roses.
Austin himself was a rose breeder who spent over 55 years developing a group of new rose varieties, that are now referred to as “English Roses.” These roses are characterized by their large, rosette-shaped blooms, strong fragrance, and repeat-flowering habit. They also have a more natural growth habit and are often used in cottage gardens and mixed borders.
14. Hitch a ride at Baggeridge Miniature Railway
Baggeridge Miniature Railway is a narrow gauge railway in Baggeridge Country Park, near the city center. The railway is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages, and it’s a great way to explore the park and go outdoors Wolverhampton.
The railway is operated by the Wolverhampton Society of Model Engineers, who built and maintain the track and rolling stock. It’s a 7 1/4 inch gauge railway, that runs on a circuit of about 1 mile, through the Baggeridge Country Park. The miniature trains are powered by steam and diesel engines, and are a great way to experience the fun of railway travel on a smaller scale.
The railway operates on Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year, weather permitting. The trains run at regular intervals, and visitors can purchase tickets for a single ride or a return journey. The railway also operates special events throughout the year, such as Santa Specials and Easter Egg specials, which are popular with families with children.
15. Explore Boscobel House and The Royal Oak
The historic Boscobel House is a Grade II* listed building situated near the village of White Ladies Aston, near Wolverhampton. The house is best known for its association with the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and specifically for the story of the “Royal Oak”.
The house is a timber-framed building that dates back to the 17th century during the time of the English Civil War and was used as a hiding place by King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The King hid in an oak tree, that came to be known as the “Royal Oak,” which still stands on the grounds of the house. Charles II evaded capture for several days by hiding in the tree, before eventually making his escape to France.
The house was restored in the early 20th century, and it’s now open to the public. Like Moseley Old Hall, visitors can explore inside and learn about the story of King Charles II’s escape and the place’s fascinating history.
16. Stroll around Himley Hall Park
Himley Hall Park is a sprawling country park on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. Known for its beautiful gardens, historic stately home, and recreational facilities, it’s a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s a great spot for a walk or picnic.
The park is home to Himley Hall, a historic house that dates back to the 18th century. A Grade II* listed building, it’s used for events, conferences and weddings, and runs regular car boot sales on a monthly basis. The surrounding stunning gardens include a lake, a walled garden, and a Japanese garden. The park also has a playground, a miniature railway, and a café.
Himley Hall grounds also offer a variety of recreational activities, including walking, cycling, and fishing. There are also several events and festivals held throughout the year, including the Himley Bonfire and Fireworks display, which is a popular event in the area.
Himley Hall Park is one of the more relaxing places to go in Wolverhampton if you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic spot. It’s also great for families with children with its playgrounds and a miniature railway.
17. Check out The Locksmith House Museum
Located in Willenhall, on the east of Wolverhampton, the Locksmith House Museum is a restored Georgian townhouse, which dates back to the 18th century. It is dedicated to the history of the lock-making industry in Wolverhampton, and the story of the Chubb family, who were prominent lock manufacturers in the city.
The museum tells the story of the iconic lock-making industry in Wolverhampton, which was a world-leading industry in the city during the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can learn about the different types of locks that were made in the city and the manufacturing processes used to make them. The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a working lock-making workshop, where visitors can see locks being made and try their hand at lock-making themselves.
General Information about Wolverhampton
- Area: 69.4km squared
- Weather: 1C (winter), 22C (summer)
- Population: 262,242
- Founded: 985 AD (as Wulfrun)
- Closest International Airport: Birmingham International Airport (BHX)
- Famous Residents: Robert Plant, Noddy Holder, Denise Lewis, Steve Bull, Jamelia, Goldie, Eric Idle, Liam Payne, Meera Syal
Other Things to See & Do Near Wolverhampton:
18. Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is hugely popular, the nearest spot is SUP Wolverhampton. Read more on the best paddleboarding in the West Midlands here.
19. Go Ape Adventure Park: an exciting outdoor activity center with high rope courses and segway tours perfect for all the family! Book your visit here:
20. WILD Zoological Park: an educational and exciting day trip at a conservational zoo, perfect for kids and families (Google location)
Don’t forget to book travel insurance
It goes without saying really that when you travel in Europe and beyond, travel insurance is super important.
I never always bothered though. For years I travelled without insurance as I thought, “what could happen?”
Well, I once got my bag stolen in Vietnam and I had an electric shock in a hostel bathroom in Mexico. What if you’re hiking up a mountain and your appendix suddenly bursts, leaving you in excruciating pain and requiring emergency treatment? Anything could happen.
Wrapping up: 20 Best Things to Do in Wolverhampton, England
Take it from me – a Wolverhampton local, having lived in this historic city for well over a decade and having also spent my university years here – you can be sure to find exciting things to see and do in this relatively small city that’s easily walkable.
Wolverhampton is a city that’s stood for over a thousand years and was once part of Wales a long time ago! There is so much history here, and yet the city has been modernizing and transforming at a steady pace too.
Are there any good places to stay in Wolverhampton?
There is a range of excellent accommodation options in the Wolverhampton area to suit different budgets and requirements. Below is a selection of recommended stays in the city:
- Jen’s Friendly Place (Deluxe Double Room) $ – Superb 9.2
- Boutique Garden Lodge (Studio with garden view) $$ – Superb 9.2
- A Park View Hotel (Executive King Room) – $$ Superb 9.0
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Wolverhampton FAQs:
Wolverhampton is a city in the West Midlands region of England, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It has many interesting places to visit and things to do, including art galleries, museums, parks, and sports venues.
The Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bantock House Museum are great places to learn about the city’s history and culture, and the Molineux Stadium and the Wolverhampton Racecourse offer a glimpse into the city’s passion for sports. The West Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax, and the Bilston Craft Gallery is a great place to see the work of local artists and craftspeople.
Additionally, the city is well connected to other major cities in the UK, like Birmingham and London, making it easy to combine a visit to Wolverhampton with a trip to other nearby destinations.
Wolverhampton is a city that has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has many interesting places to visit, such as art galleries, museums, and parks. The West Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and the Bilston Craft Gallery is a great place to see the work of local artists and craftspeople. The city also has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as a variety of shops.
That being said, like any city, Wolverhampton also has its own set of issues, as it is a relatively small city that has been hit by the decline of its traditional industries, such as steel, textiles and manufacturing. It has areas that can be considered to be deprived and some crime rate, however, the city has been working on revitalizing its economy and improving the city’s infrastructure, and there are some areas that are considered safe and pleasant to live in.
Wolverhampton is a city in the West Midlands region of England, and it is known for a few things:
-Sports: Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, also known as Wolves, is one of the oldest and most famous football clubs in England and the city is home to Molineux Stadium, where the club plays its home games. Wolverhampton Racecourse is also a popular spot for horse racing enthusiasts.
-Industry: The city has a rich industrial heritage, particularly in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Historically, it was known for its production of steel, textiles, and machinery.
-Culture: Wolverhampton has a vibrant arts scene, and it is home to several museums and art galleries, including the Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the Bantock House Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s history and culture.
-Education: Wolverhampton is home to the University of Wolverhampton and two further education colleges, City of Wolverhampton College and Wolverhampton College, which attract students from all over the world.
Wolverhampton is a city in the West Midlands region of England, and it has a variety of things to see and do, including:
- Museums and art galleries: Wolverhampton has several museums and art galleries, including the Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the Bantock House Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s history and culture.
- Parks and green spaces: The city has several parks and green spaces, including the West Park, which is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports.
- Sports venues: Wolverhampton is home to the Molineux Stadium, where the Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club (Wolves) plays its home games, and the Wolverhampton Racecourse, which is a popular spot for horse racing.
- Shopping and dining: Wolverhampton has a variety of shops, markets, and malls, as well as a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
- Cultural events: The city hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and theater productions.
- Universities and colleges: Wolverhampton is home to the University of Wolverhampton and two further education colleges, City of Wolverhampton College and Wolverhampton College, which attract students from all over the world.
Wolverhampton is part of the Black Country, a region in the West Midlands of England that gets its name from the heavy pollution and dark smoke that covered the area during the industrial revolution. The Black Country is known for its rich industrial heritage, particularly in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Wolverhampton include the Molineux Stadium, the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, the Bantock House Museum, the West Park, and the Wolverhampton Racecourse.
The cost of living in Wolverhampton is relatively low compared to other cities in the UK. The cost of accommodation, food, and transport are generally lower in Wolverhampton compared to London and other large cities.
Wolverhampton has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Wolverhampton Food and Drink Festival and the Wolverhampton Literary Festival.
West Midlands Travel Guides
For more in-depth reading about Wolverhampton and the West Midlands region, you can get your hands on a copy of these bestsellers below:
Book Your Trip to the UK: Budget Tips & Tricks
Flights: As always, I source the cheapest flights on the web from Skyscanner and Kiwi.com. They are considered the top flight search engines for the best deals.
Accommodation: I use Booking for the best hotel deals and HostelWorld for the cheapest stays. If you’re considering Airbnb, be sure to check Vrbo to find cheaper vacation stays.
SIM cards: DrimSim is a universal SIM card that isn’t tied to an operator and works in any country/region.
Travel Insurance: Stay protected from theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. A safety net in case anything goes wrong, I never leave without it. World Nomads is my favourite agent for total peace of mind.
Tours & Excursions: I book all my fave activities and guided tours on Get Your Guide & Viator – they do superb deals whilst offering excellent customer support.
Renting a car? I always use DiscoverCars, make sure you book your car hire in advance. For airport transfers, I use KiwiTaxi for the best deals.
Need to store your luggage in a locker? Use Radical Storage to store your stuff in a locker in any city for just $5 per day.
Head over to my Travel Tools page for all my best travel tips & advice and everything you need for your trip.
Further Reading: more UK posts
